#WinegrowerPortrait : Julien BERJAL
Discover the men and women who work in the vineyards of Saint-Emilion, Lussac Saint-Emilion and Puisseguin Saint-Emilion!
On January 31st, 2022, at the end of the Coupe des Crus de Saint-Emilion, 24 crus were named “Coups de Cœur 2022” by a jury of professionals! Château Le Chatelet, a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé, was one of the winners. Julien BERJAL, 41, is the owner. Find out more about this winemaker and his wine!
What’s your role on the estate?
I’m the owner of Château Le Chatelet. Given the small size of the estate, I take care of the administration, the vines and the wine.
However, my favorite part of the job is harvest time, when I get to pick up all the hard work I’ve put in all year, and finally see the quality of the vintage being transformed in the cellar.
You are one of the 24 "Coups de Cœur 2022" of Saint-Emilion Wines. How do you feel about it?
"Very happy to have won this Coupe des Crus and to be recognized over three vintages (2014, 2016 and 2018) by so many tasters and blind tasters.
As a passionate winemaker, I test, I explore new ways of doing things, I go deeper, I refine my choices. It's a constant challenge, with the aim of making people appreciate wine. Becoming a Coup de Cœur is a wonderful recognition of the commitment and passion I put into it".
Can you tell us about your property?
Château Le Chatelet is a small family estate of almost 3ha. It lies to the west of Saint-Emilion, on the asteriated limestone plateau. I took over from my grandfather and father when I arrived on the property in 2001.
With a surface area of 3.18 ha, I can tend the vines like a garden, adapting to the climate and the behavior of the vines. This allows me to use precision viticulture to get the very best out of the terroir.
I live on the estate, it’s my home. I built my family here, so it was essential for me to commit to an environmental approach, and have done so for many years. I decided to have this commitment recognized by converting to organic farming.
The unusual element:
Our wines are mainly sold through wine tourism. In fact, we’re open every day from April to December. My grandfather was a pioneer when he started 45 years ago. My father, and then myself, have taken up the torch, developing the wine tourism side while preserving our identity as a family estate.
Can you tell us about the winning vintage?
Château Le Chatelet is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.
Aged in barrels: 50% new wood and 50% one-wine wood.
Aged 18 months.
Can you suggest a food and wine pairing with the winning cru?
For me, there’s no particular food and wine pairing, the key is to enjoy a good bottle of wine.